Nobody pays $7.25/hr in 2024, as nobody will work for that. McDonald's here is paying $15/hr and in the past 10-15 years have completely rebuilt their stores and kitchens and preparation processes to reduce labor needs.
From that link, "that is only 0.15% of the working population" and nearly half of those workers are teenagers, i.e. it's a first-time, likely part-time job.
I stand by my claim that (essentially) nobody is working for minimum wage in 2024.
these are people specifically choose to work under the poverty limit to be eligible for safety net welfare: EBT/SNAP/WIC/Medicaid and then work for cash unrecorded.
like they work 4hr/day and accumulate ~1000 hours/year and then work off w2-payroll
The 7.25 rate was set in 1996.
Adjusted for inflation, 7.25 is worth 15 today.
There are thousands and thousands of jobs paying less than 15/hr.
In NC, where I live, the average wage for an entry-level crew member at McDonalds is $12.16, effectively 20% lower than the original purchasing power of the 1996 minimum wage.
